Phenylpyridyl compounds for inhibiting phosphodiesterase IV and methods of using same

ABSTRACT

Novel compounds which are effective PDE IV inhibitors are disclosed. The compounds possess improved PDE IV inhibition as compared to theophylline or rolipram as well as with improved selectivity with regard to PDE III inhibition. In certain aspects of the invention, the compounds also demonstrate PDE V inhibition. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the same and methods of treatment are also disclosed.

This application is a U.S. national filing of PCT/US96/00519, filed Jan. 11, 1996 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/370,952, filed Jan. 10, 1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,776.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Asthma is a complex disease involving the concerted actions of multiple inflammatory and immune cells, spasmogens, inflammatory mediators, cytokines and growth factors. In recent practice there have been four major classes of compounds used in the treatment of asthma, namely bronchodilators (e.g., β-adrenoceptor agonists), anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., corticosteroids), prophylactic anti-allergic agents (e.g., cromolyn sodium) and xanthines (e.g., theophylline) which appear to possess both bronchodilating and anti-inflammatory activity.

Theophylline has been a preferred drug of first choice in the treatment of asthma. Although it has been touted for its direct bronchodilatory action, theophylline's therapeutic value is now believed to also stem from anti-inflammatory activity. Its mechanism of action remains unclear. However, it is believed that several of its cellular activities are important in its activity as an anti-asthmatic, including cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibition, adenosine receptor antagonism, stimulation of catecholamine release, and its ability to increase the number and activity of suppressor T-lymphocytes. While all of these actually may contribute to its activity, only PDE inhibition may account for both the anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory components. However, theophylline is known to have a narrow therapeutic index, and a wide range of untoward side effects which are considered problematic.

Of the activities mentioned above, theophylline's activity in inhibiting cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase has received considerable attention recently. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) have received considerable attention as molecular targets for anti-asthmatic agents. Cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) are known second messengers that mediate the functional responses of cells to a multitude of hormones, neurotransmitters and autocoids. At least two therapeutically important effects could result from phosphodiesterase inhibition, and the consequent rise in intracellular adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) or guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP)in key cells in the pathophysiology of asthma. These are smooth muscle relaxation (resulting in bronchodilation) and anti-inflammatory activity.

It has become known that there are multiple, distinct PDE isoenzymes which differ in their cellular distribution. A variety of inhibitors possessing a marked degree of selectivity for one isoenzyme or the other have been synthesized.

The structure-activity relationships (SAR) of isozyme-selective inhibitors has been discussed in detail, e.g., in the article of Theodore J. Torphy, et al., "Novel Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors For The Therapy Of Asthma", Drug News & Prospectives, 6(4) May 1993, pages 203-214. The PDE enzymes can be grouped into five families according to their specificity toward hydrolysis of cAMP or cGMP, their sensitivity to regulation by calcium, calmodulin or cGMP, and their selective inhibition by various compounds. PDE I is stimulated by Ca²⁺ /calmodulin. PDE II is cGMP-stimulated, and is found in the heart and adrenals. PDE III is cGMP-inhibited, and inhibition of this enzyme creates positive inotropic activity. PDE IV is cAMP specific, and its inhibition causes airway relaxation, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant activity. PDE V appears to be important in regulating CGMP content in vascular smooth muscle, and therefore PDE V inhibitors may have cardiovascular activity.

While there are compounds derived from numerous structure activity relationship studies which provide PDE III inhibition, the number of structural classes of PDE IV inhibitors is relatively limited. Analogues of rolipram, which has the following structural formula: ##STR1## and of RO-20-1724, which has the following structural formula: ##STR2## have been studied.

Rolipram, which was initially studied because of its activity as an antidepressant has been shown to selectively inhibit the PDE IV enzyme and this compound has since become a standard agent in the classification of PDE enzyme subtypes. There appears to be considerable therapeutic potential for PDE IV inhibitors. Besides initial work suggesting an anti-depressive action, rolipram has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in asthma. In-vitro, rolipram, RO20-1724 and other PDE IV inhibitors have been shown to inhibit (1) mediator synthesis/release in mast cells, basophils, monocytes and eosinophils; (2) respiratory burst, chemotaxis and degranulation in neutrophils and eosinophils; and (3) mitogen-dependent growth and differentiation in lymphocytes (The PDE IV Family Of Calcium-Phosphodiesterases Enzymes, John A. Lowe, III, et al., Drugs of the Future 1992, 17(9):799-807).

PDE IV is present in all the major inflammatory cells in asthma including eosinophils, neutrophils, T-lymphocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells. Its inhibition causes down-regulation of cellular activation and relaxes smooth muscle cells in the trachea and bronchus. On the other hand, inhibition of PDE III, which is present in myocardium, causes an increase in both the force and rate of cardiac contractility. These are undesirable side effects for an anti-inflammatory agent. Theophylline, a non-selective PDE inhibitor, inhibits both PDE III and PDE IV, resulting in both desirable anti-asthmatic effects and undesirable cardiovascular stimulation. With this well-known distinction between PDE isozymes, the opportunity for concomitant anti-inflammation and bronchodilation without many of the side effects associated with theophylline therapy is apparent. The increased incidence of morbidity and mortality due to asthma in many Western countries over the last decade has focused the clinical emphasis on the inflammatory nature of this disease and the benefit of inhaled steroids. Development of an agent that possesses both bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties would be most advantageous.

It appears that selective PDE IV inhibitors should be more effective with fewer side effects than theophylline.

Attempts have therefore been made to find new compounds having more selective and improved PDE IV inhibition.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly a primary object of the present invention to provide new compounds which are effective PDE IV inhibitors.

It is another object of the present invention to provide new compounds which act as effective PDE IV inhibitors with lower PDE III inhibition.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide new compounds which have a superior PDE IV inhibitory effect as compared to theophylline or other known compounds.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide new compounds which have a substantially equal or superior PDE IV inhibitory effect as compared to known chemical compounds, and which exhibit surprisingly greater selectivity with regard to their inhibitory effects.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of treating a patient requiring PDE IV inhibition.

It is another object of the present invention to provide new compounds for treating disease states associated with abnormally high physiological levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of synthesizing the new compounds of this invention.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for treating a mammal suffering from a disease state selected from the group consisting of asthma, arthritis, allergies, inflammation, depression, dementia and disease states associated with abnormally high physiological levels of cytokines.

It is another object of the present invention to provide new compounds which act as effective PDE V inhibitors.

With the above and other objects in view, the present invention mainly comprises a compound of the formula: ##STR3## wherein: X₁ and X₂ may be the same or different and each is O or S;

R₁ and R₂ may be the same or different and each is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, saturated or unsaturated straight-chain or branched C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups, cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl-alkyl groups containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl moiety;

R₃ is hydrogen, halogen, or a saturated or unsaturated straight-chain or branched C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group, a cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl-alkyl groups containing from 3 to 7 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl moiety;

Z is a linkage selected from --NHCH₂ --, --CH₂ NH--, --CH₂ CONH--, --CH₂ NHCO--, --CH₂ CO--, --COCH₂ --, --CH₂ COCH₂ --, --C(═NQ)NH--, --C(═NOCONHQ)--, --C(Cl)═N--, --C(OQ)═N--, --C(NHNHQ)═N--, and --C(═NQ)NHNH--;

R₄ is a phenyl or benzyl or a 6-membered heteroaryl group which may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more halogen atoms, alkyl groups, hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, nitro groups, carboxyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl, amido, carboxamido, substituted or unsubstituted amino groups, cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl-alkyl groups containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl moiety, aryl or aralkyl groups preferably containing from about 6 to about 10 carbon atoms, or heterocyclic groups containing nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur in the ring; said alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, and aryl-alkyl groups being unsubstituted or substituted by halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, carboxyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxamido or substituted or unsubstituted amino groups, or one or more lower alkyl groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms;

Q is R₄ or H or lower alkyl;

with the exceptions that:

when Z═--C(═NOCONHQ)--, R₄ is not benzyl;

when Q is H, Z is not --C(OQ)═N--; and

R₁ and R₂ are both not hydrogen.

The term "lower alkyl" is defined for purposes of the present invention as straight or branched chain radicals having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The compounds of the present invention, as demonstrated in the appended examples, are effective in the mediation or inhibition of PDE IV in humans and other mammals. Further, these compounds are selective PDE IV inhibitors which possess both bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties substantially without undesirable cardiovascular stimulation caused by PDE III inhibition. Many of these compounds have a substantially equal or superior PDE IV inhibitory effect as compared to theophylline. In some aspects of the invention, the compounds also demonstrate significant PDE V inhibition.

The present invention is further related to a method for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory disease which comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of the compounds of the present invention.

The present invention is also related to a method for the mediation or inhibition of the enzymatic or catalytic activity of PDE IV activity in mammals, particularly humans, which comprises administering an effective amount of the above-described compounds of the invention to a mammal in need of PDE IV inhibition.

The compounds of the present invention may find use in the treatment of other disease states in humans and other mammals, such as in the treatment of disease states associated with a physiologically detrimental excess of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF activates monocytes, macrophages and T-lymphocytes. This activation has been implicated in the progression, of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and other disease states related to the production of TNF and other cytokines modulated by TNF.

In certain preferred embodiments, the compounds of the present invention comprise the formula: ##STR4## wherein X₁ and X₂ may be the same or different and each is O or S;

R₁ and R₂ may be the same or different and each is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, saturated or unsaturated straight-chain or branched C₁₋₂ alkyl groups, cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl-alkyl groups containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl moiety;

R₃ is hydrogen, halogen, or a saturated or unsaturated straight-chain or branched C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group, a cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl-alkyl groups containing from 3 to 7 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl moiety;

Z is a linkage selected from --NHCH₂ --, --CH₂ NH--, --CH₂ CONH--, --CH₂ NHCO--, --CH₂ CO--, --COCH₂ --, --CH₂ COCH₂ --, --C(═NQ)NH--, --C(═NOCONHQ)--, --C(Cl)═N--, --C(OQ)═N--, --C(═NQ)NHNH-- and --C(NHNHQ)═N--;

R₄ is a phenyl or benzyl or a 6-membered heteroaryl group which may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more halogen atoms, alkyl groups, hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, nitro groups, carboxyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl, amido, carboxamido, substituted or unsubstituted amino groups, cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl-alkyl groups containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl moiety, aryl or aralkyl groups preferably containing from about 6 to about 10 carbon atoms, or heterocyclic groups containing nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur in the ring; said alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, and aryl-alkyl groups being unsubstituted or substituted by halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, carboxyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxamido or substituted or unsubstituted amino groups, or one or more lower alkyl groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms;

Q is R₄, H or lower alkyl;

with the exceptions that:

when Z═--C(═NOCONHQ)--, R₄ is not benzyl;

when Q is H, Z is not --C(OQ)═N--; and

R₁ and R₂ are both not hydrogen.

In certain preferred embodiments, R₄ is a phenyl or substituted phenyl having one of the structures: ##STR5## wherein R₆ is a substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl having from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms.

In another preferred embodiment R₄ is one of the following heteroaryl groups having the structure: ##STR6##

In further preferred embodiments, Z is a linkage NHCO--, --COCH--, --CH₂ CO--, --C(═NQ)NH-- and --C(═NOCONHQ)--.

Certain preferred compounds of the present invention include:

(I) N-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetyl)-2-allyloxy-5-chloroaniline;

(II) N-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetyl)-2-hydroxy-3-allyl-5-chloroaniline;

(III) 1-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)phenone-O-(aminocarbonyl)oxime;

(IV) 1-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-(2-(5-(pyrimid-2,4-dionyl)))ethanone;

(V) N-Benzyl-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine;

(VI) N-(methylnaphth-1-yl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine;

(VII) N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine;

(VIII) N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine;

(IX) N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine;

(X) N-(2-fluorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine, and

(XI) N-(2-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine.

Representative processes for preparing the compounds of the present invention are shown below: ##STR7##

Detailed description of several syntheses are shown in the Examples.

The compounds of the present invention have been found to be highly effective PDE IV inhibitors, the inhibition of which is in fact significantly and surprisingly greater than that of theophylline. The concentration which yields 50% inhibition of PDE IV (IC₅₀) for the compound prepared in Example 5 is 0.3 μM, whereas the IC₅₀ for rolipram when run in the same assay was 2.8 μM. It is apparent that this inventive compound is several times as effective as a PDE IV inhibitor as compared to rolipram (or theophylline).

Since the PDE III IC₅₀ of Example 5 compound is >300 μM, it is clear that the compound of the invention is highly selective as a PDE IV inhibitor.

Furthermore, compounds of the present invention demonstrate significant PDE V inhibition properties. For example, the IC₅₀ of the compound prepared in Example 5 was 2.8 μM. Thus, this compound as well as others described herein can be used to effect PDE V inhibition in mammals to modulate cGMP content in vascular smooth muscle and utility in cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, atherosclerosis and angina as well as other disorders such as bronchitis, chronic asthma, allergic asthma, rhinitis, glaucoma and diseases characterized by disorders of gut motility such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A combination of PDE IV and V inhibition may beneficial in some therapeutic applications by virtue of affecting intracellular cyclic nucleotide levels by multiple pathways.

Accordingly, the compounds of the present invention can be administered to anyone requiring PDE IV and/or PDE V inhibition. Administration may be orally, topically, by suppository, inhalation or insufflation, or parenterally.

The present invention also encompasses all pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the foregoing compounds. One skilled in the art will recognize that acid addition salts of the presently claimed compounds may be prepared by reaction of the compounds with the appropriate acid via a variety of known methods. Alternatively, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts are prepared by reaction of the compounds of the invention with the appropriate base via a variety of known methods. For example, the sodium salt of the compounds of the invention can be prepared via reacting the compound with sodium hydride.

Various oral dosage forms can be used, including such solid forms as tablets, gelcaps, capsules, caplets, granules, lozenges and bulk powders and liquid forms such as emulsions, solution and suspensions. The compounds of the present invention can be administered alone or can be combined with various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to diluents, suspending agents, solubilizers, binders, disintegrants, preservatives, coloring agents, lubricants and the like.

When the compounds of the present invention are incorporated into oral tablets, such tablets can be compressed, tablet triturates, enteric-coated, sugar-coated, film-coated, multiply compressed or multiply layered. Liquid oral dosage forms include aqueous and nonaqueous solutions, emulsions, suspensions, and solutions and/or suspensions reconstituted from non-effervescent granules, containing suitable solvents, preservatives, emulsifying agents, suspending agents, diluents, sweeteners, coloring agents, and flavorings agents. When the compounds of the present invention are to be injected parenterally, they may be, e.g., in the form of an isotonic sterile solution. Alternatively, when the compounds of the present invention are to be inhaled, they may be formulated into a dry aerosol or may be formulated into an aqueous or partially aqueous solution.

In addition, when the compounds of the present invention are incorporated into oral dosage forms, it is contemplated that such dosage forms may provide an immediate release of the compound in the gastrointestinal tract, or alternatively may provide a controlled and/or sustained release through the gastrointestinal tract. A wide variety of controlled and/or sustained release formulations are well known to those skilled in the art, and are contemplated for use in connection with the formulations of the present invention. The controlled and/or sustained release may be provided by, e.g., a coating on the oral dosage form or by incorporating the compound(s) of the invention into a controlled and/or sustained release matrix.

Specific examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients that may be used for formulate oral dosage forms, are described in the Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, American Pharmaceutical Association (1986), incorporated by reference herein. Techniques and compositions for making solid oral dosage forms are described in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets (Lieberman, Lachman and Schwartz, editors) 2nd edition, published by Marcel Dekker, Inc., incorporated by reference herein. Techniques and compositions for making tablets (compressed and molded), capsules (hard and soft gelatin) and pills are also described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Arthur Osol, editor), 1553-1593 (1980), incorporated herein by reference. Techniques and composition for making liquid oral dosage forms are described in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Disperse Systems, (Lieberman, Rieger and Banker, editors) published by Marcel Dekker, Inc., incorporated herein by reference.

When the compounds of the present invention are incorporated for parenteral administration by injection (e.g., continuous infusion or bolus injection), the formulation for parenteral administration may be in the form of suspensions, solutions, emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and such formulations may further comprise pharmaceutically necessary additives such as stabilizing agents, suspending agents, dispersing agents, sustained release agents, and the like. The compounds of the invention may also be in the form of a powder for reconstitution as an injectable formulation.

The dose of the compounds of the present invention is dependent upon the affliction to be treated, the severity of the symptoms, the route of administration, the frequency of the dosage interval, the presence of any deleterious side-effects, and the particular compound utilized, among other things.

The PDE IV inhibitory compounds of the present invention may be examined for their PDE IV inhibitory effects via the techniques set forth in the following examples, wherein the ability of the compounds to inhibit PDE IV isolated from bovine tracheal smooth muscle is set forth. The ability of the compounds to effect PDE III and V was also examined.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following examples illustrate various aspects of the present invention, and are not to be construed to limit the claims in any manner whatsoever. All of the compounds were examined and satisfactory NMR spectra were obtained.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of N-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl-acetyl)-2-allyloxy-5-chloroaniline

a) 3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzyl Alcohol

A solution of 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (38 grams, 0.17 mol) in 40 milliliters of ethanol and sodium borohydride (1.63 grams, 0.043 mol) was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature until complete by TLC. The reaction was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. Evaporation of the ethyl acetate afforded 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (37 grams, 98%) suitable for the next step.

b) 3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzyl Chloride

A solution containing 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (112 grams, 0.50 mol), prepared as described in step a), in 1 liter of methylene chloride was stirred at room temperature with concentrated HCl (110 milliliters, 1.2 mol) for 3 hours, at which time the reaction was done by TLC. The layers were separated and the methylene chloride solution was washed twice with water and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzyl chloride (119 grams, 100%).

c) 3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetonitrile

A mixture of 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzyl chloride (119 grams, 0.49 mol), 120 milliliters of methylene chloride, KCN (70.7 grams, 1.09 mol), benzyltriethylammonium chloride (35 grams, 0.015 mol) and water (120 milliliters) was stirred vigorously at room temperature for 48 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with methylene chloride and the layers were separated. The methylene chloride solution was extracted several times with water and evaporated to yield 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetonitrile (109 grams, 95%) for the subsequent transformation.

d) 3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetic Acid

A solution of 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetonitrile (109 grams, 0.43 mol) in 1330 milliliters of ethanol and NaOH (51 grams, 1.3 mol) was heated under reflux for 48 hours. Ethanol (500 milliliters) was distilled from the reaction mixture and the residue was diluted with water and stirred with Norit A (11 grams) for 2 minutes. The mixture was filtered through a pad of celite and acidified to pH 1 with concentrated HCl. Extraction of the mixture with diethyl ether yielded 120 grams of crude 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy-phenylacetic acid after evaporation of the ether at reduced pressure. The crude acid was dissolved in warm toluene (400 milliliters) and stirred for 1 hour with 10.5 grams of Norit A. The charcoal was filtered and the toluene solution was diluted with heptane (40 milliliters). Filtration of the cooled solution afforded 72 grams (67%) of pure 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetic acid, MP 79-80°.

e) N-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy-phenylacetyl)-2-hydroxy-5-chloroaniline

A solution of 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetic acid (10 grams, 0.040 mol) in 20 milliliters of methylene chloride was added dropwise to a stirred slurry of 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (7.1 grams, 0.044 mol) in 40 milliliters of methylene chloride. After stirring for 2 hours, the resulting solution was added to a solution of 2-hydroxy-5-chloraniline (6.0 grams, 0.042 mol) in methylene chloride (75 milliliters). After stirring overnight, water was added and stirring was continued. The layers were separated and the methylene chloride layer was washed with 100 milliliter portions of water, dilute aqueous HCl, and water. Evaporation of the methylene chloride afforded the solid amide which was triturated with methanol (20 milliliters) and filtered to give 10.7 grams (71%) of N-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl-acetyl)-2-hydroxy-5-chloraniline, MP 151-152°.

f) N-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl-acetyl)-2-allyloxy-5-chloroaniline

In this step, allyl chloride (23.3 grams, 0.31 mol) was added to a stirred solution of N-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetyl)-2-hydroxy-5-chloroaniline (78 grams, 0.21 mol) in ethanol (600 milliliters) and 1 N NaOH in methanol (213 milliliters). The mixture was heated under reflux for 8 hours and then diluted with water and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. Evaporation of the ethyl acetate and crystallization of the residue from methanol gave 56.4 grams (65%) of the title compound, MP 75-76.5°.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of N-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl-acetyl)-2-hydroxy-3-allyl-5-chloroaniline

A solution of N-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetyl)-2-allyloxy-5-chloroaniline (33 grams, 0.079 mol) in 330 milliliters of diphenyl ether was heated at 180° for 6.5 hours. This reaction mixture was combined with a second reaction mixture containing N-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetyl)-2-allyloxy-5-chloroaniline and 250 milliliters of diphenyl ether which had been heated at 180° for 20 hours.

The combined reaction mixtures were diluted with 800 milliliters of hexane and applied to a flash chromatography column prepared from 470 grams of flash chromatography silica gel. Fractions of 800 milliliters were collected. Fractions 1-6 (hexane) contained only diphenyl ether. Fraction 7 (1:1 hexane/methylene chloride contained 1 gram of material. Fractions 8-11 (methylene chloride) contained 34.5 grams of material with a higher R_(f) on TLC (2% methanol/methylene chloride, silica gel) than the title compound. Fractions 12-17 (methylene chloride) gave 20 grams (34%) of the crude title compound. A sample of this material (1.0 grams) was recrystallized from 10 milliliters of ethanol to give the pure title compound, MP 119-120°.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 1-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)phenone-O-(aminocarbonyl)oxime

a) α-Phenyl-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzyl Alcohol

Phenyllithium (1.8M solution in cyclohexane/diethyl ether, 25.5 milliliters, 46 mmol) was added dropwise over 15 minutes to a stirred solution of 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenz-aldehyde (6 grams, 27 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (20 milliliters) at -78° C. The resulting solution was stirred at -78° C. for 30 minutes and quenched at -78° C. by the rapid addition of aqueous saturated NH₄ Cl (70 milliliters). After warming to room temperature, water was added to dissolve the solids and volatiles were removed in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between water (250 milliliters) and ethyl acetate (250 milliliters), the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×250 milliliters) and the combined organic layers washed with water (200 milliliters). The organics were dried over Na₂ SO₄ and concentrated in vacuo to give a light yellow oil. The oil was purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂ :hexane/ethyl acetate (4:1)) to afford the title compound as a pale yellow oil (7.4 grams).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃,250 MHz) δ 7.30 (m, 5H), 6.84 (m,3H), 5.76 (s, 1H), 4.72 (m, 1H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 1H), 1.85 (m, 6H), 1.59 (m, 2H).

b) 1-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)phenone

Pyridinium dichromate (13.22 grams, 35.19 mmol) was added in one portion to a stirred solution of α-phenyl-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (7.0 grams, 23.5 mmol) in dry methylene chloride (200 milliliters) at room temperature. The resulting heterogeneous solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with an equal volume of diethyl ether and stirred for 1 hour. The mixture was filtered through celite and the filter cake washed with diethyl ether (150 milliliters) and ethyl acetate (150 milliliters). The brown filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂ :hexane/ethyl acetate (7:3) to yield the title compound as an orange solid (6.940 grams). ¹ H NMR (CDCl₃,250 MHz) δ 7.75 (m, 2H), 7.46 (m,5H), 5.76 (s, 1H), 4.72 (m, 1H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 1H), 1.85 (m, 6H), 1.59 (m, 2H).

c) 1-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)phenone Oxime

Hydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.179 grams, 25.7 mmol) was added in one portion to a magnetically stirred solution of 1-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)phenone (6.936 grams, 23.4 mmol) in dry pyridine (120 milliliters) at room temperature. The resulting suspension slowly became homogeneous and the solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. Further hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.5 grams, 7.17 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture and stirring continued overnight. The pyridine was removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (200 milliliters) and water (200 milliliters). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×125 milliliters), the organics dried over Na₂ SO₄ and concentrated in vacuo to give an orange oil. The oil was purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂ :hexane/ethyl acetate (4:1)) to afford the title compound as a tan solid (2.49 grams).

R_(f) (SiO₂ :ethyl acetate/hexane (3:7)) 0.25.

d) 1-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy-phenyl)phenone-O-(aminocarbonyl)oxime

Anhydrous trifluoroacetic acid (2.45 milliliters, 3.64 grams, 31.92 mmol) was added dropwise over 10 minutes at room temperature to a slowly stirred suspension of sodium cyanate (4.15 grams, 63.84 mmol) in methylene chloride (30 milliliters). The suspension slowly thickened to a gelatinous mass which was periodically agitated by hand. After 30 minutes at room temperature, 1-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)phenone oxime (2.49 grams, 7.99 mmol) in methylene chloride (10 milliliters) was added in one portion and the reaction mixture stirred under nitrogen for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was poured into saturated NaHCO₃ (100 milliliters) and extracted with methylene chloride (2×200 milliliters). The organic phase was washed with water (100 milliliters), dried (Na₂ SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to give a pale yellow oil. The oil was purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂ :methylene chloride/ethyl acetate (9:1)) to yield the title compound as a white solid (1.21 grams). m.p. 129-132° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃,250 MHz) δ 7.43 (m, 5H), 6.94 (m,3H), 4.69 (m, 1H), 3.86 (3, 3H), 1.78 (m, 6H), 1.60 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of 1-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-(2-(5-(pyrimid-2,4-dionyl)))ethanone

a) [[1-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-ethenyl]oxy]trimethylsilane

Lithium diisopropylamide (1.5M solution in cyclohexane, 12.5 milliliters, 18.75 mmol) was added over 3 minutes to a stirred solution of 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyacetophenone (3 grams, 12.8 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (10 milliliters) at -78° C. After the addition was complete, the solution was stirred for 30 minutes at -78° C. and trimethylsilyl chloride (2.4 milliliters, 30.72 mmol) was added in one portion. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 20 minutes, and quenched with saturated NaHCO₃ (35 milliliters). The resulting mixture was extracted with hexane (2×50 milliliters), the organic layer dried (Na₂ SO₄) and the solvent removed in vacuo to afford the title compound as a colorless oil (4 grams); 80% pure by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

b) 1-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-(2-(5-(pyrimid-2,4-dionyl)))ethanone

A stirred solution of ([1-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-ethenyl)oxy]trimethylsilane (4.0 grams, 80% pure by gas chromatography, 10.3 mmol), 5-bromouracil (1.73 grams, 9.14 mmol), tributyltin fluoride (2.8 grams, 9.14 mmol) and bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (II) chloride (215 milligrams, 3.0×10⁻⁴ mmol) in 1,4 dioxane (50 milliliters) was refluxed for 60 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, diluted with diethyl ether (150 milliliters) and washed with 1N NaOH (3×60 milliliters). The aqueous layer was neutralized with 12N HCl and extracted with methylene chloride (3×50 milliliters). The organics were dried (Na₂ SO₄) and the solvent removed in vacuo to afford an oil. The oil was purified by chromatography on SiO₂ eluting with methylene chloride/ethanol/ammonia (9:1:0.1) to yield the title compound as a white solid (70 milligrams).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃ ;250 MHz) δ 9.28 (brs, 1H), 8.87 (brs, 1H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 6.84 (m, 3H), 5.69 (s, 1H), 5.46 (s, 1H), 4.75 (m, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 1.81 (m, 6H), 1.57 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLES 5-10 N-Benzyl-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidines

A solution of N-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamide (1 gram, 2.62 mmol) in phosphoryl chloride (15 milliliters, 161 mmol) and N,N-dimethylaniline (0.75 milliliters) was heated at reflux under nitrogen for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, volatiles removed in vacuo, and the brown residue azeotroped with toluene (3×20 milliliters). The crude imino chloride was dissolved in toluene (15 milliliters). In each case, an excess of the benzylamine (9-12 equivalents) was added in one portion and the mixture heated to reflux for a sufficient time under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, volatiles removed in vacuo, and the residue dissolved in chloroform (100 milliliters) and washed with water (2×50 milliliters). The combined organics were dried (Na₂ SO₄) and volatiles removed in vacuo to afford a colorless solid. The mixture was purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂ ; ethyl acetate:hexane [1:9], followed by ethyl acetate:hexane [1:4]) to yield the desired product. The time of the reaction and the properties of the product are given in Table 1.

                                      TABLE 1                                      __________________________________________________________________________                       REACTION                                                                              M.P.  PHYSICAL                                        EX. NAME          TIME   ° C.                                                                          PROPERTIES                                      __________________________________________________________________________     5   N-benzyl-N'-(3,5-dichloro                                                                     4 hrs 129-133                                                                              tan colored                                         pyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-                                                                             solid                                               4-methoxybenzamidine                                                       6   N-(Pyrid-4-yl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                    24 hrs 205-207                                                                              pale yellow                                         chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  solid                                               pentyloxy-4-methoxy                                                            benzamidine                                                                7   N-(Picol-4-yl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                    24 hrs 74-78 orange                                              chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  solid                                               pentyloxy-4-methoxy                                                            benzamidine                                                                8   N-(4-methoxybenzyl)-N'-(3,5-                                                                  4 hrs 138-139                                                                              colorless                                           dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo                                                                               crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                9   N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                 4 hrs 176-179                                                                              colorless                                           chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                10  N-(2-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                24 hrs 171-173                                                                              yellow                                              chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  solid                                               pentyloxy-4-methoxy                                                            benzamidine                                                                __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 11 N-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzimino Chloride

To N-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamide (4.5 grams, 11.8 mmol) was added thionyl chloride (50 milliliters) and the resultant solution heated to reflux for 2.5 hours. Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the resulting yellow residue azeotroped with toluene (3×50 milliliters) to afford a yellow solid. This solid was used for the synthesis of Examples 12-42 without further purification. Purification by flash chromatography (SiO₂ ; ethyl acetate:pentane [2:3]) followed by recrystallization from ethyl acetate/pentane afforded an analytically pure sample of N-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzimino chloride as a white solid. The product had a melting point of 120°.

EXAMPLES 12-40 N-Aryl- or N-Benzyl-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine

To N-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzimino chloride (1.57 grams, 3.95 mmol) in xylenes (35 milliliters) was added the benzylamine or aniline derivative (2.4 equivalents). In each case, the reaction mixture was heated to reflux for a sufficient period of time, allowed to cool, washed with 1N HCl (2×50 milliliters), dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to afford a brown solid. The desired product was isolated by flash chromatography (SiO₂ ; ethyl acetate:pentane [1:5]) then recrystallized from ethyl acetate/pentane to yield the crystalline product.

The work up of the amidines derived from hydroxy or carboxy substituted anilines required filtration of the aqueous washings to isolate additional quantities of undissolved product. Recrystallization of these products was carried out from ethanol. The time of the reaction and the properties of the product are given in Table 2.

                                      TABLE 2                                      __________________________________________________________________________                       REACTION                                                                       TIME   M.P.  PHYSICAL                                        EX. NAME          (hr)   ° C.                                                                          PROPERTIES                                      __________________________________________________________________________     12  N-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-                                                                 28     107-108                                                                              colorless                                           N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-                                                                              crystalline                                         3-cyclopentyloxy-4-        solid                                               methoxybenzamidine                                                         13  N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-                                                                 28 + 20                                                                               135   colorless                                           N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-                                                               hrs r.t      crystalline                                         cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy   solid                                               benzamidine                                                                14  N-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-                                                                 20     164-165                                                                              colorless                                           N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-                                                                              crystalline                                         3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy solid                                               benzamidine                                                                15  N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                24     147   colorless                                           chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                16  N-(2-fluorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                16     148   colorless                                           chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                17  N-(3-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                20     134-135                                                                              colorless                                           chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                18  N-(4-methylbenzyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                24     170   colorless                                           chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                19  N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-N'-(3,5-                                                                 24     136-137                                                                              colorless                                           dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo                                                                               crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                20  N-(2-chlorophenyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                24     143-144                                                                              colorless                                           chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                21  N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N'-                                                                   29     184-185                                                                              colorless                                           (3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-                                                                               crystalline                                         cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy   solid                                               benzamidine                                                                22  N-(3-fluorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                24     149   colorless                                           chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                23  N-(2-methylbenzyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                30     185-186                                                                              colorless                                           chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                24  N-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-                                                                 43     184-185                                                                              colorless                                           N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-                                                                              crystalline                                         3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy solid                                               benzamidine                                                                25  N-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-                                                                 43     192-193                                                                              colorless                                           N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-                                                                              crystalline                                         3-cyclopentyloxy-4-        solid                                               methoxybenzamidine                                                         26  N-(3-fluorophenyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                43     199   colorless                                           chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                27  N-(2-fluorophenyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                43     116-117                                                                              colorless                                           chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo  crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                28  N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N'-(3,5-                                                                  43     215-216                                                                              colorless                                           dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-     crystalline                                         cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy   solid                                               benzamidine                                                                29  N-(3-methylbenzyl)-N'-(3,5-di                                                                  29.5 117-118                                                                              colorless                                           chloropyrid-4-yl)-3-       crystalline                                         cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy   solid                                               benzamidine                                                                30  N-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-                                                                 48     171   colorless                                           N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-                                                                              crystalline                                         3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy solid                                               benzamidine                                                                31  N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N'-(3,5-                                                                 23 + 48                                                                               283-184                                                                              colorless                                           dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-                                                                       hrs at       crystalline                                         cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy                                                                     r.t.         solid                                               benzamidine                                                                32  N-(3-carboxyphenyl)-N'-(3,5-                                                                 48     267-268                                                                              colorless                                           dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo                                                                               crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                33  N-(4-carboxyphenyl)-N'-(3,5-                                                                 48     167-168                                                                              colorless                                           dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo                                                                               crystalline                                         pentyloxy-4-methoxy        solid                                               benzamidine                                                                34  N-(2-carbomethoxyphenyl)-N'-                                                                 48     144-145                                                                              pale yellow                                         (3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-                                                                               needles                                             cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy                                                       benzamidine                                                                35  N-(4-acetamidophenyl)-N'-                                                                    48     145-146                                                                              pale yellow                                         (3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-                                                                               prisms                                              cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy                                                       benzamidine                                                                36  N-(2-carboxyphenyl)-N'-(3,5-                                                                 48     225-226                                                                              off-white                                           dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo                                                                               crystals                                            pentyloxy-4-methoxy                                                            benzamidine                                                                37  N-benzyl-N-methyl-N'-(3,5-                                                                     4.5  52-55 colorless                                           dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo                                                                               solid                                               pentyloxy-4-methoxy        (foam)                                              benzamidine                                                                38  N-(2-amidophenyl)-N'-(3,5-                                                                   48     143   colorless                                           dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclo                                                                               solid                                               pentyloxy-4-methoxy                                                            benzamidine                                                                39  N-(4-carbomethoxyphenyl)-N'-                                                                 24     191-192                                                                              very pale                                           (3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-                                                                               yellow                                              cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy   solid                                               benzamidine                                                                40  N-(methylnaphth-1-yl)-N'-                                                                    24     144-147                                                                              pale yellow                                         (3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-                                                                               solid                                               cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy                                                       benzamidine                                                                __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLES 41-42 N-Alkyl-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidines

To N-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzimino chloride (1.05 grams, 2.6 mmol) in methylene chloride (10 milliliters) was added a 2.0 M solution of the methylamine or ammonia in MeOH (20 milliliters, 40 mmol). In each case, the reaction mixture was heated to 45° C. in a sealed vessel for a sufficient time, allowed to cool, and concentrated in vacuo to afford an off-white solid. The desired product was isolated by flash chromatography (SiO₂ ; ethyl acetate:pentane [2:3]) then recrystallized from ethyl acetate/pentane to yield the product, as a colorless crystalline solid. The time of the reaction and the Properties of the product are given in Table 3.

                                      TABLE 3                                      __________________________________________________________________________                       REACTION                                                                       TIME   M.P.  PHYSICAL                                        EX. NAME          (hr)   ° C.                                                                          PROPERTIES                                      __________________________________________________________________________     41  N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-                                                                 6      170   colorless                                           3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy crystalline                                         benzamidine                solid                                           42  N-methyl-N'-(3,5-dichloro                                                                    4      184-185                                                                              colorless                                           pyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-                                                                             crystalline                                         4-methoxybenzamidine       solid                                           __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLES 43-44 Alkyl-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzimidates

To N-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzimino chloride (200 milligrams, 0.5 mmol) in methylene chloride (2 milliliters) was added the alcohol (4 milliliters). In both cases, the reaction mixture was heated to 45° C. in a sealed vessel for a sufficient time, allowed to cool, and concentrated in vacuo to afford a yellow solid. The desired product was isolated by flash chromatography (SiO₂ ; ethyl acetate:pentane [1:4]) then recrystallized from ethyl acetate/pentane to yield the product, as a colorless crystalline solid. The time of the reaction and the properties of the product are given in Table 4.

                                      TABLE 4                                      __________________________________________________________________________                       REACTION                                                                       TIME   M.P.  PHYSICAL                                        EX. NAME          (hr)   ° C.                                                                          PROPERTIES                                      __________________________________________________________________________     43  Methyl-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-                                                                4      83-84 colorless                                           4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-  crystalline                                         methoxy benzimidate        solid                                           44  Ethyl-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-                                                               4      73    colorless                                           yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-    crystalline                                         methoxy benzimidate        solid                                           __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 45 N-amino-N-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine

To N-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzimino chloride (4.72 g, 11.80 mmole) in chloroform (50 ml) was added hydrazine monohydrate (9.2 ml, 16 equivalents). The solution was heated at reflux for 1 hour. The aqueous fraction was removed. The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to yield a pale yellow oil. The desired product was isolated by flash chromatography (SiO₂ ; ethyl acetate:pentane [1:4]) in quantitative yield. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate/pentane yielded two geometrical isomers: isomer 1: colorless crystalline solid (0.29 g), m.p. 130-1° C., resolidifies immediately and remelts at 187-8° C.; isomer 2: colorless crystalline solid (2.82 g), m.p. 187° C. Isomer 1 converts to isomer 2 in the presence of acid.

EXAMPLE 46 N-isopropylamino-N-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidines

To N-amino-N -(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine ([Isomer 1] 0.50 g, 1.26 mmole) was added acetone (0.44 g, 7.59 mmole) followed by 1N HCl and methanol (1.2 ml). The mixture was left to stir at room temperature for half an hour, then sodium cyanoborohydride (0.09 g, 1.45 mmole) was added. The pH of the reaction mixture was adjusted to ˜6 and the solution left to stir for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched with NaOH (1N, 50 ml), methanol was removed in vacuo and the resulting mixture extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 ml). The organic extracts were combined and washed with water (50 ml), dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to yield a yellow foam (0.59 g). Flash chromatography (SiO₂ ; ethyl acetate:pentane [2:3]) isolated two geometrical isomers: isomer 1: colorless oil (0.18 g), recrsytallized from ethyl acetate/pentane to yield a colorless solid (0.13 g), m.p. 161-2° C.; isomer 2: colorless oil (0.26 g), recrystallized from ethyl acetate/pentane to yield a colorless solid (0.20 g), m.p. 156-7° C.

EXAMPLE 47

Protocols for PDE III, PDE IV and PDE V inhibition activity are set forth below:

Type III Phosphodiesterase Enzyme Isolation Protocol

The Type III PDE is isolated from human platelets using a procedure similar to that previously described by Weishaar, R. E., et al., Biochem. Pharmacol., 35:787, 1986. Briefly, 1-2 units of platelets are suspended in an equal volume of buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, containing 2 mM magnesium acetate, 1 mM dithiothreitol, and 5 mM Na₂ EDTA). The proteinase inhibitor phenylmethyl-sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) is also included in this buffer at a final concentration of 200 μM. The suspension is homogenized using a polytron and the homogenate centrifuged at 100,000×g for 60 minutes. This and all subsequent procedures are performed at 0-4° C. The supernatant is then filtered through four layers of gauze and applied to a DEAE-Trisacryl M column, previously equilibrated with buffer B (20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, containing 1 mM magnesium acetate, 1 mM dithiothreitol and 200 μM PMSF). After application of the sample, the column is washed with several bed volumes of buffer B, after which the different forms of PDE are eluted from the column using two successive linear NaCl gradients (0.05-0.15 M, 300 milliliters total; 0.15-0.40 M, 200 milliliters total). Five milliliter fractions are collected and assayed for cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP PDE activity. Fractions containing PDE III activity are pooled and dialyzed overnight against 4 liters of buffer B. The dialyzed PDE III is then concentrated to 10% of the original volume, diluted to 50% with ethylene glycol monoethyl ether and stored at -20° C. PDE III can typically be retained for up to four weeks with little or no loss of activity.

Measuring Type III PDE Activity

Enzyme activity is assessed by measuring the hydrolysis of [³ H]-cyclic AMP, as described by Thompson, W. J., et al., Adv. Cyclic Nucleotide Res. 10:69, 1979. The cyclic AMP concentration used in this assay is 0.2 μM, which approximates to the K_(m) value. Protein concentration is adjusted to ensure that no more than 15% of the available substrate is hydrolyzed during the incubation period.

All test compounds are dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (final concentration of 2.5%). This concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide inhibits enzyme activity by approximately 10%.

Type IV Phosphodiesterase Enzyme Isolation Protocol

The Type IV PDE is isolated from bovine tracheal smooth muscle using a procedure similar to that previously described by Silver, P. J., et al. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 150:85,1988. Briefly, smooth muscle from bovine trachea is minced and homogenized using a polytron in 10 volumes of an extraction buffer containing 10 mM Tris-acetate (pH 7.5), 2 mM magnesium chloride, 1 mm dithiothreitol and 2,000 units/milliliters of aprotinin. This and all subsequent procedures are performed at 0-4° C. The homogenate is sonicated and then centrifuged at 48,000×g for 30 minutes. The resulting supernatant is applied to a DEAE Trisacryl M column previously equilibrated with sodium acetate and dithiothreitol. After applications of the sample, the column is washed with sodium acetate/dithiothreitol, after which the different forms of PDE are eluted from the column using a linear Tris-HCl/NaCl gradient. Fractions containing Type IV PDE are collected, dialyzed and concentrated to 14% of the original volume. The concentrated fractions are diluted to 50% with ethylene glycol and stored at -20° C.

Measuring Type IV PDE Activity

Enzyme activity is assessed by measuring the hydrolysis of [³ H]-cyclic AMP, as described by Thompson, W. J., et al., Adv. Cyclic Nucleotide Res. 10:69, 1979. The cyclic AMP concentration used in this assay is 0.2 μM, which approximates the K_(m) value. Protein concentration is adjusted to ensure that no more than 15% of the available substrate is hydrolyzed during the incubation period.

All test compounds are dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (final concentration of 2.5%). This concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide inhibits enzyme activity by approximately 10%.

Type V Phosphodiesterase Enzyme Isolation Protocol Enzyme Isolation Procedure

The Type V PDE is isolated using a procedure similar to that previously described by Weishaar et al., Hypertension 15:528, (1990). Briefly, 1-2 units of platelets are suspended in an equal volume of buffer A (20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, containing 2 mM magnesium acetate, 1 mM dithiothreitol, and 5 mM Na₂ EDTA) using a polytron. The proteinase inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) are also included in this buffer at a final concentration of 200 μM. This and all subsequent procedures are performed at 0-4° C. The homogenate is then centrifuges at 100,000×g for 60 minutes. The supernatant is then removed and filtered through four layers of gauze and applied to a DEAE-Trisacryl M column. The column is washed with several bed volumes of buffer B (20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, containing 2 mM magnesium acetate, 1 mM diothiothreitol, and 200 μM PMSF) and eluted by two successive linear NaCl gradients (0.05-0.15 M, 300 ml total; 0.15-0.40 M, 200 ml total). Five ml fractions are collected and assayed for cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP PDE activity. Fractions that contain PDE V are pooled and dialyzed overnight against 4 L of buffer C (20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, containing 2 mM magnesium acetate and proteinase inhibitors). The dialyzed PDE V is then concentrated to 10% of the original volume, diluted to 50% with ethylene glycol monoethyl ether and stored at -20° C. PDE V can typically be retained for up to four weeks with little or no loss of activity.

Measuring Type V PDE Activity

Enzyme activity are assessed by measuring the hydrolysis of [³ H]-cyclic GMP, as described by Thompson et al. (Thompson, W. J., Teraski, W. L., Epstein, P. N., Strada, S. J.: Adv. Cyclic Nucleotide Res. 10:69, 1979). The cyclic GMP concentration used in this assay is 0.2 μM, which approximates to the K_(m) value. Protein concentration is adjusted to ensure that no more than 15% of the available substrate is hydrolyzed during the incubation period.

All test compounds are dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (final concentration of 2.5%). This concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide inhibits enzyme activity by approximately 10%. The reference Type V PDE inhibitor zaprinast is evaluated with each assay.

The compounds are tested over concentration range: 0.1, 1, 10, 100 μM (n=1), and IC₅₀ determinations are made using 5 appropriate concentrations (n=2).

EXAMPLE 48

Following the above procedures, the PDE III, PDE IV and PDE V inhibition for the compounds of Examples 1-46, and rolipram were tested and compared. The results are shown in the Table 5 below:

                  TABLE 5                                                          ______________________________________                                         IC.sub.50 (μM)                                                              Compound   PDE III     PDE IV   PDE V                                          ______________________________________                                          1         >1000       2.2      71.9                                            2         >1000       2.8      37                                              3         89.5        1.8      38                                              4         205.4       3.2      >300                                            5         >300        0.3      2.83                                            6         110         1.47     >100                                            7         18.5        3.67     >100                                            8         >300        0.5      6.88                                            9         >300        0.005    84.8                                           10         58.2        0.26     >100                                           11         >300        >100     83.2                                           12         >300        65.8     >300                                           13         36.3        0.18     >300                                           14         >300        51.8     >300                                           15         >300        0.52     9                                              16         100         0.22     7.9                                            17         >300        2.5      >300                                           18         >300        11.8     >300                                           19         37.5        11.6     3.9                                            20         278         16.1     >300                                           21         >300        32.8     >300                                           22         >300        38.7     12                                             23         >300        19       >300                                           24         >300        49.6     >300                                           25         >300        242      31.6                                           26         >300        203      44.3                                           27         >300        15.6     >300                                           28         >300        0.21     >300                                           29         >300        34.6     >300                                           30         100         0.6      >100                                           31         >300        75       >300                                           32         100         17.8     91.2                                           33         125         16.9     56.9                                           34         119.4       4.2      >300                                           35         >300        26.5     >300                                           36         6.4         0.37     4.6                                            37         >300        4.66     >100                                           38         147         38.7     >300                                           39         >300        0.594    >300                                           40         >300        0.004    >100                                           41         184         0.77     27.8                                           42         >300        5.56     >100                                           43         60.43       0.385    34.81                                          44         57.96       0.362    25.65                                          45         --          --       --                                             46         --          --       --                                             rolipram   620         2.8      500                                            ______________________________________                                    

Thus, it can be seen from the foregoing that compounds prepared in accordance with the present invention have high levels of PDE IV inhibition while, at the same time relatively low levels of PDE III inhibition. It can also be seen that some of the compounds are also effective PDE V inhibitors.

While the invention has been illustrated with respect to the production and use of a particular compound, it is apparent that variations and modifications of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of the formula: ##STR8## wherein: X₁ and X₂ may be the same or different and each is O or S;R₁ and R₂ may be the same or different and each is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, saturated or unsaturated straight-chain or branched C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups, cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl-alkyl groups containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl moiety; R₃ is hydrogen, halogen, or a saturated or unsaturated straight-chain or branched C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group, a cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl-alkyl groups containing from 3 to 7 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl moiety; Z is a linkage selected from --C(═NQ)NH--, --C(═NOCONHQ)--, --C(Cl)═N--, --C(OQ)═N--, --C(═NQ)NHNH--, and --C(NHNHQ)═N--; R₄ is pyridyl which may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more halogen atoms, alkyl groups, hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, nitro groups, carboxyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl, amido, carboxamido, substituted or unsubstituted amino groups, cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl-alkyl groups containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl moiety, aryl or aralkyl groups, said aryl and aralkyl groups containing from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; said alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, and aryl-alkyl groups being unsubstituted or substituted by halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, carboxyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxamido or substituted or unsubstituted amino groups, or one or more lower alkyl groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; Q is H; lower alkyl; or a phenyl or benzyl group which may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more halogen atoms, alkyl groups, hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, nitro groups, carboxyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl, amido, carboxamido, substituted or unsubstituted amino groups, cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl-alkyl groups containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl moiety, aryl or aralkyl groups, said aryl and aralkyl groups containing from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; said alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, and aryl-alkyl groups being unsubstituted or substituted by halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, carboxyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxamido or substituted or unsubstituted amino groups, or one or more lower alkyl groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; with the exceptions that:when Q is H, Z is not --C(OQ)═N--; and wherein only one of R₁ and R₂ can be hydrogen.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein R₁ is a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl or cycloalkyl of 3-6 carbon atoms, said cycloalkyl may be substituted by one or more alkyl groups or by one or more halogens, R₂ is hydrogen, or C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, and wherein R₃ is hydrogen, lower alkyl or halogen.
 3. The compound of claim 2 wherein R₂ is lower alkyl, having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms.
 4. The compound of claim 3 wherein R₁ is cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more halogens.
 5. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₂ is methyl or ethyl and wherein R₁ is cyclopentyl optionally substituted by R₅ as shown in the following structural formula: ##STR9## wherein R₅ is hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated straight-chain lower alkyl group containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, unsubstituted or substituted with one or more halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, nitro groups, carboxyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxamido or substituted or unsubstituted amino groups.
 6. The compound of claim 2, wherein Z is --C(═NOCONHQ)--.
 7. The compound of claim 2, wherein Z is --C(═NQ)NH--.
 8. The compound of claim 2, wherein Z is --C(═NQ)NHNH--.
 9. The compound of claim 2, wherein Z is --C(Cl)═N--.
 10. The compound of claim 7 wherein R₄ is the following structural formula: ##STR10##
 11. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₄ is the following structural formula:
 12. The compound of claim 2, wherein X₁ and X₂ are O.
 13. The compound of claim 1, selected from the group consisting of: N-Benzyl-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidineN-(methylnaphth-1-yl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(2-fluorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; and N-(2-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine.
 14. A method of effecting selective PDE IV inhibition to a patient requiring the same, comprising administering an effective amount of the compound of claim
 1. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said compound is selected from the group consisting of:N-Benzyl-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(methylnaphth-1-yl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(2-fluorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; and N-(2-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine.
 16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim
 1. 17. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 16, wherein said compound is selected from the group consisting of:N-Benzyl-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(methylnaphth-1-yl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(2-fluorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; and N-(2-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine.
 18. A method of treating a mammal suffering from a disease state selected from the group consisting of asthma, allergies, inflammation, depression, dementia, atopic diseases, rhinitis and disease states associated with abnormally high physiological levels of cytokine, comprising administering an effective amount of the compound of claim
 1. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said compound is selected from the group consisting of:N-Benzyl-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(methylnaphth-1-yl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; N-(2-fluorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine; and N-(2-chlorobenzyl)-N'-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzamidine.
 20. A method of effecting PDE V inhibition to a patient requiring the same, comprising administering an effective amount of the compound of claim
 1. 